I doodle in the margins

Bennett Gap Trail

When we started planning this weekend’s hike it was “6 miles”, we’d do a 6 mile hike. Shouldn’t be a problem because we have lots of 6 mile hikes under our belt. We’ve done a couple 3-5 mile hikes this winter whenever it has been warm enough to get out. Six miles would just be a good next step…. but then it became between 6 and 7… and then it became, “oh its actually 7.2, but we can turn around if ends up being too much.” Which I knew would be “if you make me we’ll turn back early.”

Final mileage 7.5. We made it to the top – which was uneventful – and back down again before the sun started to set. Bonus. I am against walking through new trails in the dark. Other J was impressed when we got home to find out how far it actually was.. good for him. Next hike we’re aiming at 7.2 miles. I’m going to try and get him to stick to that this time.

BUT all of this means that working out during the winter has a least kept us where we left off at the end of last season. So this season we should be able to regular 10 miles and occasional 12 miles with no problem. The goal this year is to do a 20 mile weekend camping trip this summer. I’m really be happy with 15.

The floor is now open to suggestions for knee or hip strengthening exercises.